Gap Theory

GAP THEORY proposes that there was an indefinite span of time that existed between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. Those who support this theory has the idea that first, God made the world and then something happened that it became without form and void (possibly the fall of Lucifer). Second, the gap between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 was a long duration of time, possibly in million of years. Lastly, prehistoric creatures lived and died in this period (think of dinosaurs) and God remade the world in a six literal 24-hour days as outlined in Genesis 1. This theory came about in the 19th century when geology was entering into the field of science.

Gap theory would be feasible in a sense that primarily, it could explain the fall of Satan by placing it in between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. The passages in Isaiah 14:12-21 and Ezekiel 28:11-19 (which gives a view on the fall of Lucifer) would be in this gap, and that Eden was a different one before the fall of the angel. Secondarily, this theory would explain that translation issues arise with Genesis 1:2, in which “The earth was without form, and void”, in which “was” could be translated as “became” so the verse would read: “the earth became without form and void.” In this translation also, Genesis 1:28 reads “God said unto them…replenish the earth” (KJV), in which “replenish” would indicate that the earth was populated before Adam. Lastly, those who holds this view would use 2 Peter 3:5-6 as a context that God flooded the earth with water stood on the context of the world as being a remnant of a previous judgment.

There are also arguments against this theory. First, there is no biblical evidence about a different Eden as found in Ezekiel 28. Scriptures would go against itself if this theory is supported because God said (regarding his creation, before Adam) “It is good”. Second, translating “was” to “became” is something like this (specially for non-Hebrew readers)…”let me describe to you what the earth look like initially…” Also, Exodus 20:11 states that God made everything in six days, including the heavens. There was nothing in between that. Lastly, 2 Peter 3:5-6 is to be read in its context, that is, the flood of Noah. The evidence is found in 1 Peter 3:20, and 2 Peter 2:4-5. It was speaking of the flood of Noah and not of a different flood.

With the arguments against the Gap theory, I would go for the six-day creation (otherwise known as young earth theory) and take what the Bible said about it. Nothing is impossible with God. Here is one thing we can learn from this, whether we are for or against the Gap theory…There is a creator, and things did not just come into existence. God created the world. The “how” question is something we can learn when we get to meet Him face to face.